How maternal inflammation affects the fetal immune system
Official title: Impact of Maternal Inflammation and Cell Trafficking on Fetal Immune Ontogeny
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11084527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how infections during pregnancy, especially from a virus called rhesus cytomegalovirus, can affect the immune system of the baby by impacting the placenta, and it's designed for expectant mothers who want to understand how their health might influence their child's future health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $678,065 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107737-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those who may be experiencing viral infections during their pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any history of maternal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inflammation in pregnant women, caused by viral infections, influences the development of the fetal immune system. It focuses on the effects of maternal infections, particularly rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV), on the placenta and the transfer of immune-related substances to the fetus. By using a primate model that closely resembles human development, the study aims to understand the connections between maternal health, placental function, and fetal immune responses. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze these interactions and their long-term consequences on offspring health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of maternal infections during pregnancy, potentially enhancing fetal immune development and long-term health outcomes for children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal infections can significantly impact fetal development, suggesting that this study builds on established findings in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarantal, Alice F — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Tarantal, Alice F
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.